Use of epoxy resins and hardeners in the construction industry the world over has been considerably increased over the past two decades. Epoxy Resin systems possess many advantageous properties such as quick curing at room temperature without application of heat, low shrinkage, good chemical resistance and mechanical properties etc. These resins can be further modified in formulating resin rich mortars, putties, or coating compounds with addition of coaltar and other additives. These properties combined with versatility in choice make epoxy resins an ideal choice for many civil engineering applications.

Why use Epoxy Resins

Epoxy Resin is a condensation product of Bisphenol - A and Epichlorohydrine. Epoxy Resin, in combination with curing agent by chemical reaction either at room temperature or at elevated temperature turns into solid mass.

The commonly used curing agents (hardeners) are polyamines, polyamides, liquid and solid anhydrides and adduct compounds. The characteristic properties of cured epoxy resin system relevant to civil engineering applications are:

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High adhesive strength to almost all materials.

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Low shrinkage during curing

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Exceptional dimensional stability

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Thermo-setting

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Natural gap filling ability

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Good mechanical properties and chemical resistance

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Ease of application

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Ability to cure in wet conditions, (special combinations)

Properties of Concrete, Cement Mortar and Epoxy Resin based Mortar

Epoxy Resins and epoxy resin based mortar possess several important characteristics which can be advantageously used for civil engineering applications. Compared to the properties of concrete or cement mortar, epoxy resins have high tensile strength, high flexural strength, high compressive strength and excellent adhesive strength.
In addition to excellent mechanical properties and adhesive strength, resistance to chemi­cals, sea water and corrosive atmosphere are added advantages of epoxy based mortars.

Applications of Epoxy Resins

1. Civil Engineering

Epoxy Resins and epoxy based compounds have found several applications in the civil engineering field. The major applications in which epoxy systems have been successfully used are